Did you know that each year, nearly 50 million Americans contract influenza? And, that more than 100,000 people are hospitalized because of the disease, with 36,000 dying from the virus? With the flu season lasting from October to March, it’s important now more than ever to help your employees fight the virus and avoid getting sick.

Your friendly occupational medicine providers firmly believe that prevention is the best cure for the virus and would like to share with you the four top ways for you and your employees to prevent the spread of influenza in your workplace.

Wash your hands regularly

No matter what type of business or industry you’re in, you and your employees need to wash your hands regularly, especially if you frequently come into contact with a large number of people. To completely eliminate viruses from your skin, you need to scrub it briskly for 20 seconds or more. Either hot or cold water is okay, as long as you wash thoroughly.

Keep surroundings clean

Ask your janitorial team to use sanitizers when cleaning your workplace, with a focus on doorknobs and light switches. By minimizing the potential for germs in your workplace, you can consequently reduce employee sick days.

Promote a healthy lifestyle

It’s important for your employees to look after their own health. Share with them the value of good nutrition, regular exercise and doing away with potentially harmful vices such as smoking, heavy drinking, and drugs. Lead by example.

Get vaccinated

The benefits of getting flu shots for work are numerous. Employees who receive the appropriate vaccines help fight the spread of the flu, which benefits the overall welfare of the community. Plus, if they don’t get sick, they won’t miss work and will be able to fulfill their commitments, which equates to better productivity for your business.

The best time for employee flu shots is in early October. That said, it is still important to still get vaccinated even if the October window was missed. Occupational Medicine providers, such as U.S. HealthWorks, can help you host a flu vaccination clinic for your employees. Simply get in touch with them and schedule the service.